Posted on Jan 26, 2014
SSgt Forensic Meteorological Consultant
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As leaders we make mistake and sometimes a person is hurt.   It was not our intention to do that but it did happen.   Are you apt to apologize for those mistakes?  Do you think by admitting a mistake you gain or lose stature in the eyes of those who work under you?
Posted in these groups: 4ibobmkyt Honesty
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SSG V. Michelle Woods
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Edited 10 y ago
I think this discussion should be BOOMING because we sure have plenty of leaders who are quick to tell us what's wrong with the Army today and what makes a great leader. So here's one mistake I made that made me a better NCO. 


My battle buddy and I went to the bazaar where we saw his soldier walking around without his head gear on. We were in an enclosed area but still technically outdoors. My friend firmly told his soldier to put his head gear on. I butted in and said “oh come on man, we’re at the bazaar, it’s not a big deal”. BAD SSG WOODS! 




About 24 seconds later I realized 1. I undermined a fellow NCO in front of his soldier (which I was raised to NEVER do) 2. I was guilty of being “buddy buddy” with a soldier. That wasn’t my intent at all, however it came across as my friend being a jerk and me being “the nice NCO”. 




That’s one mistake I made that I will never forget. I apologized and he knew I was sincere. 


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1SG Steven Stankovich
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While I have never made a mistake that resulted in an injury to another, I have made it a point to always own up to day-to-day shortcomings/issues that fell into my lane.  It is an integrity issue.  When in charge, be in charge.  We as leaders are responsible for the things that go right in our units and also for what goes wrong.  My usual response to the CSM when I was a 1SG with regards to shortcomings or issues in my Company were "Roger CSM, my responsibility, I will handle it." 
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SSG Dental Specialist
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We are human and although we strive for perfection honest mistaKes can be made.  as leaders we have to set the example, even if it means hey i messed up, but admitting it to those around you will let your Soldiers/peers/superiors know you can handel owning up to it.  i cant stand anyone that tries to put off their mistakes on others.  Its a big integrity issue im sure that is everywhere.
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CPT Chase Park
CPT Chase Park
10 y
Brother, you always strive to do the best you can in any circumstance. And you can't control everyone, but you can control yourself. So in setting the example through your own actions, you only hope you can instill that same level of integrity and honor in those directly involved with you, and they in turn, carry it forward. Good to see you taking the greatest responsibility to set that example.

Keep on doing your thing, STAFF. Always proud of you. 
Congrats on your baby if I didn't have the chance to tell you already! 
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